Lawsuit alleges Galveston hotel negligent

Updated 1:58 pm, Wednesday, January 30, 2013

An Oklahoma woman has filed a lawsuit against a Galveston hotel, alleging it was negligent in 2007 when her eight-year-old son suffered permanent injuries when hit by falling tile from a wall.

In the lawsuit filed Jan. 25 in Galveston County District Court, Shawna Martin said her son was hurt at Comfort Inn & Suites, 6302 Seawall Blvd. The lawsuit names as defendant Neel Shah Hospitality Inc., which operated the hotel.

The mother and son were getting off an elevator at the hotel when the tile fell from a wall, striking the boy on his head, chest and leg, according to the lawsuit filed by Friendswood attorney Jeffrey N. Todd.

"As a result of this incident, (the boy) has sustained injuries ... that are permanent, which have caused severe pain, disfigurement and impairment," the lawsuit states.

The hotel failed in its duty to protect the Martins, who were paying guests, "from unreasonably dangerous conditions on the premises or to warn of their existence," according to the suit. Specifically, the hotel "allowed a loose tile to exist where individuals walk."

The lawsuit seeks damages for the medical bills and mental anguish suffered by Shawna Martin.

Attempts to reach officials at Neel Shaw Hospitality were unsuccessful.